Press release
Domestic violence employers support Women’s Aid
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
Minister Roderic O’Gorman has today launched a new project with Women’s Aid aimed at developing tools for employers supporting employees experiencing domestic violence.
The project follows the passage of the Work Life Balance Act 2023, which introduced a statutory right to five days of leave for victims of domestic violence, and will provide support materials and services for employers in developing domestic violence workplace policies.
Women’s Aid was awarded the contract following an open tender process, and will develop templates and guidelines for employers of all sizes.
Minister O’Gorman said today:
"The introduction of domestic violence leave has the potential to make a significant impact on awareness of domestic violence among employees and employers. I recognise that this is a very difficult issue to address for employers and the development of these supports by Women’s Aid will ensure that an employer is aware of how they can provide a working environment where an employee is encouraged to be open about abuse in their personal relationships."
Sarah Benson, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid said today:
“Women’s Aid have extensive experience collaborating with employers on the successful implementation of domestic violence workplace policies, and we are delighted to support the DCEDIY with this important work. Domestic violence policies and guidelines for workplaces are a real ‘win, win’ for employees and employers alike: increasing staff wellbeing, supporting staff retention and also reducing the stigma of an issue that causes serious harm in Irish society. We are busy in preparation for the commencement of this legislation and will be engaging with key stakeholders before dissemination of template policies and guidelines to assist employers of all sizes to help create a zero tolerance towards Domestic Abuse in every workplace in the country.”
Minister O’Gorman went on to say:
"I intend to commence the provisions around domestic violence leave in autumn, once work has progressed on the supports for employers to develop their own domestic violence workplace policies. The regulations setting out the level of pay for domestic violence leave will also be published in the coming months."
The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 introduces 5 days paid domestic violence leave in a 12 month period for employees who are experiencing domestic violence.
Work is underway to prepare regulations to be made under the Act setting out the rate of pay for domestic violence leave.